Finally, Chromebooks now offer native support for Adobe Photoshop, making creative work easier than ever. You’ve got two solid options: install the Android version of Photoshop from the Play Store or use the Photoshop Progressive Web App (PWA).
The web-based version of Photoshop doesn’t come with a traditional desktop app, but you can install it on your Chromebook like a native app. It loads quickly, runs smoothly, and delivers an experience that’s surprisingly close to the desktop version.
Installing Photoshop on Chromebook
Before you install Photoshop on a Chromebook, make sure your device meets the minimum system requirements. For the best experience, your Chromebook should have at least 8GB of RAM and a stable internet connection, especially if you’re using a standard model. Alternatively, if you own a Chromebook Plus, you’re already good to go, these models are built with higher specs optimized for demanding apps like Photoshop.
Once your device meets these requirements, you can install and run the browser-based version of Photoshop with smooth performance and minimal lag.
1. Photoshop Express
If you want to do light photo editing, you can install the Android version of Photoshop – Photoshop Express. It’s a lightweight photo editor that gives you a familiar mobile interface with touch-friendly tools, perfect for quick edits on the go. Here’s how you can install it.
1. Click on the Launcher icon, search for the Play Store, and open it.
2. In the search bar, type Photoshop Express Photo Editor and hit Enter.
3. From the search results, select it and click on Install.
4. After installation, launch Photoshop Express from your app drawer and sign in with your Adobe account to start editing.
2. Photoshop
If you want a desktop-like experience, you can install the PWA (Progressive Web App) version of Photoshop, which gives you a native app feel, complete with a dedicated icon and smoother performance. The web version launches quickly, runs smoothly, and offers many of the core Photoshop features you’d expect, such as layers, selection tools, adjustments, and even AI-powered editing tools.
Here’s how you can install Adobe Photoshop Web on your Chromebook:
1. Before installing, update your Chromebook to the latest version of ChromeOS.
2. Click on the App Launcher and open the Apps & Games app.
3. In the search bar, type Photoshop and select Adobe Photoshop Web from the list.
4. Click on Install from Web. When the installation prompt appears, click the Install button and wait for the process to complete.
Note: You can also install it directly from the Chrome browser. Just visit https://photoshop.adobe.com and click the Install button in the address bar.
5. Once installed, open it from the app drawer and log in with your Adobe Cloud account, you’re ready to start editing.
Want quicker access next time? Simply right-click on the Photoshop icon in your shelf, the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select Pin. This will keep Photoshop there permanently, so you can launch it quickly anytime you need it.
Create with Photoshop on your Chromebook
Photoshop is now set up on your Chromebook and ready to use. You can start editing photos, working with layers, and using powerful tools like crop, selection, brush, text, and more. To unlock the full experience, you’ll need an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, but the good news is, you can take it for a spin with a 7-day free trial before committing.
